Man’s best friend or a writer’s greatest asset? Dogs have long been a fixture in television shows, some of them gaining more popularity than the people they let walk them.
This list could get ridiculously long because really, how can you not love a cute puppy? So I’ve decided to exclude any canine who is either animated (sorry Scooby Doo and Gromit) or a lead character like Wishbone or Lassie. All wonderful mutts, but I want to concentrate on the friend part of a doggy’s job description.
Here then are my Top 5 television dogs!!
5. Zeus & Apollo from Magnum P.I.
Robin Master’s faithful guard dogs who had a tentative truce with everyone’s favorite mustached detective, Zeus and Apollo were two fine looking dobermans who chewed scenery about as much as they did bad guy’s legs.
4. Backup from Veronica Mars
Whenever Veronica left the house on a case, her dad would remind her to “take Backup.” It was kind of corny, but also such an awesome name for a detective’s pup. Backup was also a valuable asset to the team, helping to stop numerous baddies and magically transforming! Well, sort of magical. Two dogs played Backup in the show after Backup 1.0 failed to live up to his potential in the pilot. He’s the Darren of the dog world!!
3. Paul Anka from Gilmore Girls
You knew I couldn’t leave out my favorite Stars Hollow pooch! This adorable mutt takes his name from the singer Paul Anka who shows up in Lorelei’s dream in what is the most memorable opening sequence in the series. Paul Anka the dog is about as cute and cuddly and shaggy a dog that ever was leaving you wishing he appeared a lot sooner than season 6.
2. Tiger from The Brady Bunch
When I mentioned above about dogs becoming as famous as their humans, I was thinking of Tiger. Although written out in season two after only 10 appearances (and an unfortunate accident leading to Tiger 2.0), Tiger remains a fan favorite for the way he wrecked havoc on Mike and Carol’s wedding in the pilot episode “The Honeymoon.” He also gave Jan the sneezes from his flea powder and stole Cindy’s Kitty Karry-All which led to all out war in the Brady household! Come to think of it, Tiger might have hated women?
1. a tie for Robo Dogs!!!
Robot dogs are twice as cool as regular dogs! Case in point: K-9 from Doctor Who, Maximillion from The Bionic Woman, and Muffit from Battlestar Galactica. Muffit was actually two dogs! A real one who dies in a Cylon attack, and then a reborn robot version that was the coolest action figure I ever lost. Maximillion (million, get it?) could run 90 mph and had a super bite that could stop runaway cars! K-9 is the most robot looking of them all and easily the smartest. Part vacuum cleaner in appearance, K-9 can solve any problem with a calm “affirmative” from his tin voice and a couple well placed laser bolts. Nothing can beat robot pups!!
Comments
Joelio
January 26th, 2010 - 8:14:52 AM
No love for Cat Stevens from Californication?
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